“Thankful” — AAEM President Jonathan S. Jones, MD FAAEM

Dear AAEM Members,

Near year’s end, I reflect on what I am thankful for and what I am hopeful for. There is plenty of time to focus on the negative, but it’s even more important to focus on the positive.

I am thankful for my family, my wife Barbara, my daughter Catalina, my parents, my brother, and all my extended family. I am thankful for my dog Libby. I am thankful that we are (mostly) healthy.

I am thankful to be an emergency physician. While often stressful, it is more often wonderful. I am thankful for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM).

I am thankful for friends, many of whom I have met because I am an emergency physician and especially through my involvement with AAEM.

I am thankful that I have a safe and comfortable place to live and work. I am thankful to be an American. I am thankful for the natural beauty of the world. I am thankful for this and so much more. The list would take many pages.

What am I hopeful for in 2024? Mainly that those things which I am thankful for in 2023 will continue. But also, that in some way, even if only in a small way, I can do something which helps others have things to be thankful for. Effectively, I am hopeful that my presence on this Earth makes a positive impact.

And I am hopeful that if you make a list, that AAEM has done something this year to earn a spot on that list. I and all AAEM leaders and staff are thankful that you have entrusted us to work for you.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jonathan S. Jones, MD FAAEM
President, American Academy of Emergency Medicine